Lee, not even given a squad number by Gullit but now wearing the slightly embarassing 37, was back in midfield alongside Peruvian Nolberto Solano.

United - skipper Roy Keane, Dennis Irwin and Jesper Blomqvist on their own lengthening casualty list - still had the formidable trio of England team-mates Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Nicky Butt in midfield, with Ryan Giggs on the flank.

Cole had tormented the St James' Park faithful with two goals last season in United's win 2-1 over Newcastle.
And he was on the mark again after 13 minutes.

Surprisingly, Newcastle hit back. No footballer is more competitive than Scotland striker Duncan Ferguson and it was his massive aerial threat which forced Henning Berg to hammer an own goal past his helpless keeper for the equaliser.